For many of us, myself included, counseling often becomes a process that refuses to come full circle. We are seeking help, but that help seems to elude us and we struggle finding the right fit or the right method that might provide the direction we need. I was inspired to pursue counseling as a career by my desperate need for help along my life path, and my desire to provide that guidance and compassion to others, in a clear and consistent way. I want my clients to know that although I may not have experienced exactly what you are going through, I want to be able to help equip you with the power to gain some peace, and wade through that difficulty with you. You are not a problem to be solved, nor do your life issues define you. I hope to be a safe place for you, and a reminder that we all struggle and need support. I want to work alongside you to find the best way to get you to the place you want to be, using the training, knowledge, and skills I have developed to provide you encouragement and insight. Education: M.A., Professional Counseling, Liberty University. M.A., Human Services-Marriage & Family Therapy, Liberty University. B.S. Environmental Policy & Biology, Western Maryland University.

I am a psychotherapist in private practice in Houston, Texas. My goal is to provide my culturally diverse clients with the best personalized mental health assessment and care. I go the extra mile to work with my clients, to help them to make the best life decisions that would not only meet their individual emotional needs, but also enhance their overall adjustments. My clients benefit from my 30+ years of multinational and multicultural professional experiences and trainings. I deliver my services with utmost humility, and with the ultimate purpose of meeting the needs of my clients. I am easy to talk with, and I provide a relaxed atmosphere for comfortable therapeutic engagement. My humanity finds expression in the compassion, empathy, patience, and care that I extend to my clients. With the belief that one cap does not fit all, and that what works for client A may not work for client B, I go eclectic and tailor my therapeutic approaches to accommodate individual differences while maintaining all therapeutic standards and clinical competences. I use my knowledge of various evidence-based and solution-focused treatment options to meet my clients’ mental health and emotional needs. As a teacher, I am passionate about your education and academic success. As a mother, I feel your pain and that of your child. As a wife, I can relate to your interpersonal relationship issues. All these, coupled with several decades of professional training and experiences, provide me with the expertise, tools and skills needed to navigate your problems with you. As an immigrant with multicultural training, I understand my clients issues from their cultural perspectives. I have a broad clinical experience with immigrants and refugees from Mexico, the Caribbean, El Salvador, Cuba, Brazil, Haiti, Somalia, Liberia, Eretria, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Cameroon, Ghana,…… I am here to guide you and walk with you on your emotional journey Work Experience I started my career as a core faculty member at the University of Nigeria. For over 12 years, I taught undergraduate and graduate level courses in counseling, coordinated counseling programs and curriculum development, supervised counselors in training, provided guidance and counseling services to members of the university community, attended professional conferences and institutes, presented numerous informative papers at conferences and institutes , and published several professional articles. I have been in private practice in Houston, Texas for over 17 years, following five years of intense clinical internship. Education/Training: My professional training and experience are interdisciplinary, spanning the broad areas of Education, French, Language Arts, Counseling and Management. I obtained my post graduate degrees from University of Ibadan, University of Nigeria, and Harvard University. I also spent a year of language training at Université de Nice in France. Specialized trainings: National Certified Counselor (NCC) by National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC) by National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) Post-doctoral training in Psychology with focus on Clinical Assessment, Walden University. Specialized training in Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) at 
Beck Institute for Cognitive Therapy and Research in Philadelphia under Aaron and Judith Beck Trauma and Disaster Mental Health with Red Cross Foundation. Counseling in the Virtual World: Tele-Behavioral Health. American Counseling Association (ACA). Licenses Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Texas, 2003-Date. Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor, Texas- Active. Professional Affiliations I am affiliated with many professional organizations and, to maintain professional competence, I constantly engage in professional workshops and trainings with, and make presentations at some of these organizations. American Counseling Association American Mental Health Counseling Association International Association of Marriage and Family Counselors Association for Multi-cultural Counseling and Development Texas Counseling Association Counseling Practitioners’ Round Table of the International Association for Counseling; an organization with focus on improving global mental health and well-being.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social worker with over 15 years of experience working as a psychotherapist. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, communication problems, marital issues, aging and geriatric issues; caregiver issues and stress; life purpose issues, and hospice and end of life issues among others. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I view therapy as an equal partnership. This partnership promotes mutual respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and a non judgmental atmosphere in which to discuss the problems you are currently facing. . My approach combines Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution Focused Therapy predominately and will work with you to develop a treatment plan that will meet your unique and specific needs. You have taken the first step to achieving your goals. I am dedicated to help you meet those goals. I look forward to working with you!

Laura Sparkman is a Licensed Professional Counselor. She received her Bachelor of Arts degrees in Psychology and Education with a Minor in Spanish in 2005. She later earned a Master of Counseling from Southern Methodist University in 2012. Laura has spent the last 18 years working across the medical, educational, and non-profit sectors with all demographics. She has served various roles as a teacher, learning specialist, guidance counselor and administrative / faculty adviser in both private and public schools in the greater Dallas area. Just as a diabetic requires insulin and a person with vision impairment needs glasses, sometimes we benefit from emotional support to boost optimal brain health and function. Counseling is a safe, collaborative opportunity for you to take personal, self-care time assessing, processing and redefining your life. Learn to build skills to improve communication, social relationships, goal setting, decision making, time management, organization, work / life balance, self-esteem and any other issues preventing you from being the most authentic, successful, fulfilled version of yourself. Laura’s passion and specialty is working with the learning different population who often struggle with co-morbid social-emotional challenges. As a hybrid professional, she blends the worlds of education & therapy offering her clients a myriad of practical strategies and tools. Additionally, Laura enjoys empowering parents & the larger family system to foster healing, strength, perseverance, and optimism through challenging times. She encourages her clients on their journey to better manage stress, anxiety, and depression. She uses a combination of therapy orientations tailored to the individual including Cognitive Behavioral, Solution Focused and Family Systems Therapy to instill hope by reframing maladaptive, distorted thought patterns and foster positive coping skills. Laura supports adults going through a wide variety of struggles and transitions. Life is a roller coaster with many unexpected ups and downs. While we can’t control our environment, we can control our actions and behaviors. We can learn healthier coping skills to deal with problems. An overwhelming mountain may become a more manageable mole hill. Laura provides a safe, non-judgmental space for you to be your true, authentic, vulnerable self. It can be difficult to focus on yourself when you have a lot of other responsibilities and roles. It’s important to take the time to get your own needs met, so that you can be calm, clear, present and intentional each day. Everyone deserves to have proper balance between their personal and work life. During the course of therapy, Laura will create a climate of acceptance and understanding so that you may feel free to share all of your experiences, perceptions, and emotions. Confronting distorted and denied patterns through a close therapeutic relationship allows many people to develop healthier ways of coping with life. Your brain will begin to re-wire itself and move towards optimal neural integration. This will allow for improved emotional regulation, mood enhancement and the ability to buffer daily stress. You will no longer be stuck or held back. Laura's job is to hold a mirror up and help remove the walls and obstacles so that you can become more attuned to your inner voice guiding you to whom you are meant to be.

I am licensed in Texas with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. I also have experience working with depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

I am licensed in Texas with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, who believes in empowering others to succeed. I have 12 years of experience providing both Christian and Non- Christian counseling. I also believe that establishing a rapport is paramount during the therapy process, and once created, I will identify and utilize the most effective therapeutic approach that will maximize your time, as well as allow you to reach your therapeutic goals. This includes Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Crisis Intervention Strategies, Motivational Interviewing, and Psychotherapy. l have experience working in both individual and group therapy settings. I am described by former clients, supervisors, and colleagues, as a person who is caring and compassionate, with a known reputation for establishing a good rapport with others and treating all with respect, with a focus on expressing the dignity and worth of all individuals. Since obtaining my Master's Degree in the year 2013, I have devoted my time to developing my skills as a therapist and to increasing my knowledge of issues pertaining to mental health and human behavior. I am currently pursuing my Ph. D degree in the field of Social Work with and specialty focus on Crisis, Disaster, and Intervention as they pertain to human behavior. I would like to thank you as well as, commend you for taking the first step toward becoming the best version of yourself. I look forward to working with you! Thank you for sharing information about yourself. I'm so happy that you reached out for help. I am Mironda Womack, a licensed therapist. You can read more about my background, education, experience, and therapy approach by clicking on my name on this page. I generally check my messages here a few times per day, Monday -Friday, and respond as quickly as I can. I appreciate your patience when it takes a bit longer, as I may be tending to other members or professional/personal responsibilities. I would also appreciate it if you would take the time to read over the telemental health informed consent form and afterward, submit a statement with your full legal name, DOB, and current state of residence, a statement indicating that you agree/confirm the terms and conditions of the form, along with an attachment of your driver's license or photo ID. TELEMENTAL HEALTH INFORMED CONSENT: I understand that the service provided through BetterHelp is not intended for crisis situations and urgent needs. While my therapist, Mironda Womack, LCSW (VA LCSW #0904013707) is a licensed therapist in the state of Virginia, Better Help services and/or online or text-based services may not be the best avenue for me to receive mental health care. If the use of this site or online services is not appropriate for my situation, I understand that my therapist will assist in providing me with additional options of in-person referrals where I can obtain care. VERIFICATION OF IDENTITY AND LOCATION AT THE TIME OF THE SESSION: I understand and agree to provide my therapist with a COPY OF A VALID PHOTO IDENTIFICATION, such as a driver’s license, state ID, or passport, at the start of our work together. This is to verify my identity including my legal name, date of birth, home address, and proof of VA state residency. If my address on the submitted ID is not included or is not current, I will provide my clinician with my current correct address with proof. I agree to provide my clinician with a phone number to reach me in an emergency, as well as an emergency contact name and number. I understand that there will be no recording of any of the online sessions by either party. All information disclosed within sessions and written records pertaining to those sessions are confidential and may not be disclosed to anyone without written authorization, except where the disclosure is permitted and/or required by law. I understand that, for safety reasons, my therapist will NOT meet with clients in a moving vehicle, and that failure to comply will result in the session being canceled. I understand that if I am having suicidal or homicidal thoughts, actively experiencing psychotic symptoms, or experiencing a mental health crisis that cannot be resolved remotely, it may be determined that telemental health services are not appropriate and a higher level of care is required. IN A CRISIS SITUATION, I AGREE THAT I WILL EITHER: TEXT: You can text the Crisis Text Line by texting “Help” to 741-741 PHONE/VOICE: Call the Crisis Hotline via phone at (800) 273-8255 You can also call your psychiatrist, primary care physician, or medical/mental care providers for assistance IN PERSON: Go to your nearest emergency room for in-person help if you are in an immediate crisis. I understand that my confidentiality is fully protected by law with the exceptions of these circumstances: If my therapist has concerns or suspicions of abuse or neglect of a child, elderly person, someone with a disability, or someone otherwise unable to care for themselves. If I present as a risk of harm to myself or others in the professional judgment of my therapist. If my therapist is legally compelled through a subpoena or court order in any court proceedings regarding my care (This is extremely rare, and if it were to happen, we would discuss it thoroughly.). If I choose to sign a Release of Information form. I have read, understand, and agree to the Client Terms of Service at https://www.betterhelp.com/terms/ 70 THIS INCLUDES UNDERSTANDING AND AGREEING THAT: My Better Help clinician cannot provide, verify, or produce reports related to the clinical diagnosis of a mental health condition. While trained to do so, services of this nature must be provided outside of the Better Help site/services at the discretion of my provider. My Better Help clinician cannot provide proof of attendance at, or reports regarding progress in, the use of the site, or services provided through the site. This includes documentation for court, custody agreements, employers, or any other party. My Better Help clinician cannot provide letters of support for Emotional Support Animal designations (or ESA.) I understand that I can seek out online therapy services from another therapist other than Mironda Womack, LCSW or another clinician OUTSIDE of Better Help if I have needs for clinical diagnosis, biopsychosocial assessment with diagnosis (including psychological testing), or referrals for treatment that come from the legal system, child welfare services, or my employer, and may require documentation or proof of attendance. PRIVACY OF SESSIONS: I understand that the privacy laws that protect the confidentiality of my protected health information (PHI) also apply to telemental health unless an exception to confidentiality applies (i.e. mandatory reporting of a child, elder, or vulnerable adult abuse; danger to self or others; I raise mental/emotional health as an issue in a legal proceeding). If having a “live” session with my clinician, my clinician will ensure my privacy by being alone at the time of sessions, as well as having “white noise” devices playing in the meeting space. I understand that I am solely fully responsible for the privacy in my own environment for meetings. To ensure the greatest privacy, my clinician recommends: Ensuring that I am alone in the room I am meeting Using headphones for phone and video sessions whenever possible Muting the microphone (or turning off apps) that listen to my environment, such as Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Siri on Mac devices, or Bixby on Samsung devices If possible, place a Bluetooth speaker or device outside of the space I am in that plays “white” noise or music to mute any options of hearing me speak during sessions. Scope/Location of Practice I understand that my therapist is ONLY able to work with clients who reside in Virginia full-time. This is a legal requirement for their clinical license to practice, and they will not jeopardize their licensure status by violating this rule. If you are quarantined out-of-state, traveling, working, or residing at college outside of Virginia, please let your therapist know at the start of your work together. There may be some exceptions that can be made; however, you must be a primary resident of Virginia. RISKS AND BENEFITS OF COUNSELING: I understand that there are risks, benefits, and consequences associated with telemental health, including but not limited to, disruption of transmission by technology failures, interruption and/or breaches of confidentiality by unauthorized persons, and/or limited ability to respond to emergencies. I understand that the privacy laws that protect the confidentiality of my protected health information (PHI) also apply to telemental health unless an exception to confidentiality applies (i.e. mandatory reporting of a child, elder, or vulnerable adult abuse; danger to self or others; I raise mental/emotional health as an issue in a legal proceeding). First and foremost, I can’t help if you aren’t here! In making an appointment, you are committing to that time for yourself to the exclusion of others. If you must CANCEL an appointment, you must provide NO LESS THAN 24 HOURS' NOTICE. Failure to cancel in advance may result in changes to the type or frequency of sessions your clinician is able to offer. To gain the most from the therapy process, it’s helpful if you are honest about your commitments to self-examination, understanding, and our relationship. This includes any concerns you may have regarding services or with me. I want to serve you well and appreciate any feedback you may have that will help me to do so. Unwise applications of new learning are a common risk in therapy (e.g. being too harsh when learning to assert yourself) as well as feeling as though you are regressing when feeling vulnerable. Therapy is a process that is often like taking three steps forward and one step back at times, but the overall momentum should be forward. Talking openly about this can help minimize stress about this process. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of others that participate in your counseling sessions, such as in family therapy sessions. In marital therapy, secrets between spouses work against successful outcomes; in this regard, your counselor is not obliged to keep secrets of one spouse from the other spouse. It is best to avoid abrupt terminations from counseling and to honestly discuss, preferably by video or phone, the reasons for your desire to end care or transfer to a different clinician. This method can maximize growth and health at these times. TERMINATION OF SERVICES: If you do not interact with me for a period of time (either through appointments or messaging back and forth), I cannot ethically continue a treatment relationship with you. Sometimes I am not the best fit to work with a client for a variety of reasons (personal fit, clinical experience, schedule availability, etc.) Clients can decide to end services or change counselors at any time, however, it is in your best interests to let your therapist know you are doing so in advance. If you’d like to switch counselors within Better Help, you can do so by clicking on the icon in the top right corner of the “Counseling” page and choosing “Change counselor” from the drop-down menu. Make sure you specify in the feedback to support what you are looking for that is different. If you have any trouble with this, please reach out to Support at Contact@betterhelp.com. Know that if you decide to take this action, you will lose all written correspondence with me at that time on your client dashboard. To cancel your BetterHelp subscription, contact Customer Service via email (contact@betterhelp.com) or online at https://www.betterhelp.com/contact/ and ask them to cancel your account altogether. If you cancel your account and decide to return at a later date, Better Help will prompt you upon logging in about whether you would like to return to work with me or find a different therapist. Please know that while I am happy to resume working with you at a later time, this is subject to my availability to see new or returning clients at that time. If you do not cancel your account or request a new therapist, you will continue to show as an “inactive” client on my caseload whether or not you are logging in to the site or participating in services or not. Please note that your agreement for counseling services with me is considered no longer valid once you have not been in contact with me here for a period of 30 (thirty) calendar days. Exceptions to this are only made in the discussion of clear dates and plans between us on a case-by-case basis. On the Better Help site/app, I will continue to send you this same message regularly until you either: 1. respond and resume contact with me, 2. change therapists, or 3. cancel your account. Thank you. BY PROVIDING THE FOLLOWING REQUESTED INFORMATION VIA A MESSAGE YOU ARE LEGALLY AGREEING TO THE TERMS OF THIS FORM: I HAVE READ AND FULLY AGREE TO THE CONDITIONS AND TERMS OF THE CLIENT INFORMATION FORM, ENTER THE DATE THAT YOU AGREED, ALONG WITH YOUR FULL LEGAL NAME, DOB, CURRENT STATE OF RESIDENCE, FULL ADDRESS, COPY OF A CURRENT PHOTO ID OR DRIVER'S LICENSE, ALONG WITH A STATEMENT STATING "I ALSO AGREE TO NOTIFY MY CLINICIAN OF ANY CHANGES PERTAINING TO THIS INFORMATION AND UNDERSTAND THAT MY CLINICIAN WILL DO THE SAME".

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Texas with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, and coping with life changes. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

I am a Licensed Clinical Professional in the state of Texas. I have 25 years of professional work experience. Prior to my work as a Clinician, I was a Rehabilitation Counselor. I have experience in helping in dealing with a wide array of issues. My goal is to offer support and personalized strategies that are designed to meet your unique needs. Together we will navigate the challenges you face and work towards enhancing your mental health and overall well-being. My commitment is to help you build resilience, find balance, and achieve a fulfilling and meaningful life. Taking the first step, which you already have, takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

I am a licensed clinical social worker licensed in Texas with 7 years of professional work experience. I have a Master of Social Work degree from University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work, and finely honed training in diagnostic assessment and psychotherapy. I have been practicing since 2018 and have worked in different clinical settings including inpatient and outpatient and with all population. My therapeutic approach is tailored specifically to each individual. I believe in treatment philosophy that incorporates multicultural perspective and integrated approach. I treat adults from ages 18-65 years. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, bipolar disorder, relationship issues, coping with grief, coping with loss, motivation, self-esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with depression and anger management. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

As a licensed therapist in Texas, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My practice focuses on helping clients address challenges like depression, anxiety, social fears, and interpersonal dynamics. I am deeply committed to creating a compassionate, affirming therapeutic environment where individuals can explore their inner experiences and develop meaningful strategies for personal growth. My approach centers on understanding each person's unique journey, with particular expertise in addressing self-esteem concerns, family conflicts, and attachment-related struggles. I believe in empowering clients to cultivate self-love, improve communication skills, and work through feelings of guilt and shame. Drawing from evidence-based practices, I collaborate with clients to develop personalized approaches that honor their individual strengths and experiences. Whether you're dealing with stress, parenting challenges, or seeking to enhance your emotional resilience, I'm dedicated to walking alongside you with genuine care and professional support.

As a licensed therapist serving clients in Texas, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on helping young adults and women work through challenges like stress, anxiety, depression, and life transitions. With a deep understanding of trauma-informed care, I create a compassionate space where clients can explore their experiences and develop meaningful coping strategies. My approach is rooted in cultural sensitivity and personal empowerment. I recognize the unique experiences of individuals from diverse backgrounds and strive to provide affirming, responsive care that honors each person's lived experience. Whether you're struggling with relationship dynamics, processing past experiences, or seeking support during significant life changes, I'm committed to walking alongside you with genuine understanding and professional expertise.

As a dually licensed therapist with over 10 years of experience, I am a seasoned practitioner who has dedicated my work to helping individuals and families live their most fulfilling life while breaking patterns, forming new meaning in life, and working toward self-fulfillment. I have gained expertise skills working with children, teens, and adults struggling with depression, anxiety, ADHD, family conflict and divorce, and trauma.

As a licensed therapist with two decades of experience in Texas, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on helping clients address challenges like depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, and life transitions. I have deep expertise in working with older adults, women, veterans, and individuals experiencing social isolation, communication difficulties, and chronic health conditions. My therapeutic approach is compassionate and personalized, focusing on understanding each client's unique experiences and strengths. I create a supportive environment where individuals can explore difficult emotions, develop effective coping strategies, and work through issues such as panic attacks, mood disorders, guilt, shame, and post-traumatic stress. I am committed to walking alongside my clients, offering professional guidance and empathetic support as they move toward healing and personal growth. My goal is to help you build resilience, improve emotional well-being, and rediscover your inner strength.